What a blessing that the last weekend of Angelo’s service to the Lord here in Thessaloniki included a baptism! We all traveled down to the sea and followed the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ just as believers have done for centuries. There was singing, testifying, and a Biblical admonition on the shores of the sea where believers of past days must surely have also followed our Savior.
This was all provoked by Elias, the Iranian born man that has been attending our services for a little over a month. Elias escaped Iran and Afghanistan after coming to the realization that Islam and the Koran were a lie. After arriving in Greece, he was told of the good news of Jesus Christ by an Arabic speaking man. Then he met Kayode, the dear brother who came from London to work with us for the sake of the gospel. Kayode has been spending much time with Elias teaching him English so that he can teach him the Bible. Kayode brought him to our church where he continued to learn of Christ and Biblical salvation. At the end of a Wednesday night bible study, he declared out loud DURING THE PREACHING with his hands lifted up…”I know I am born again and wish to be baptized! I am ready now!” The Greeks in the service were greatly convicted by such an act of courageous obedience. While the Greeks are scared to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism because of the serious persecution they will experience, it was a shock to see one willing to follow the Savior when it would mean certain death in his homeland and with his relatives. The Greeks discussed among themselves for a good while accusing one another concerning why they were unwilling to reject their baby baptism now that they had been born again. It was an amazing thing to watch. Finally, of their own volition, four Greeks said they wanted to be baptized. We scheduled the time and transportation, but sadly, all of the Greeks backed out at the last minute on Saturday with different excuses. They continue to say, however, that they wish to follow the Lord in this step. We will pray and wait for their growth. Bro. Logan also re-baptized his daughter Bethany at her request. Three years ago in Romania she received the assurance of her salvation after struggling with doubts over her childhood profession.
All in all, it was a wonderful day on the shores of Thessaloniki with a uniquely Scriptural testimony for our Savior. Bless the Lord!
